WyzGuys Tech Talk

As cyber security and information technology professionals, and even as computer users, we find that we have to constantly be learning new things to stay current with the pace of technology.  This often is an uncomfortable experience.

I recently saw a graphic in Pinterest from the website of personal coach Aurorasa Sima.  I have posted it below.

A large part of my current professional activity is involved in education, training, and public speaking.  The graphic illustrates neatly how learning works.  We have to move from our comfort zone, through fear, in order to get into the learning zone.  If we can successfully overcome our fear and integrate the new learning, we get to move into the growth zone.  And growing, personally and professionally, is what life is all about.

For me, a day without new learning a a day wasted.  I understand that this point of view is a bit extreme and not shared by everyone.  But this is the core value of the learner, which is one of my five top strengths according to the Strengths Finder survey I took many years ago.

I have worked with many people who found the initial fear overwhelming, which made it difficult for them to successfully learn.  As an instructor, part of my role is to help these individuals push on through their fear.

If you are a trainer or instructor, you might find this graphic helpful to share with your students, as a way of showing them that the fear they are feeling is normal, but needs to be overcome.  If you are a student or learner, this may help you move to the learning zone more quickly.  Learning is the key to success in any endeavor.